​HAILEY BANDA ARTIST STATEMENT

I create stylized utilitarian work to enhance an individual’s day and to create a connection between the handmade object and the user. My artwork expresses the feeling of happiness and relaxation through the forms and decorations that I utilize. I incorporate a combination of techniques in my ceramics such as stamping, handbuilding, and wheel throwing to highlight uniqueness of the handmade object. The patterns I use are inspired by my mother’s interior decorating style. She makes our home welcoming and cozy by using different floral patterns, swirls on the furniture, and comforting colors to decorate our family home. I incorporate these elements in my pottery to give back the sense of happiness and relaxation that I feel when I am home.

the process

beginning stages

Before I even begin working in clay, I come up with a well planned idea. My ideas are inspired by furniture, functional objects, nature, and interior design.This process consists of sketching out different forms and designs that come to mind. These 2D ideas are brought to life by creating handmade paper templates to guide me through the building process. (Each ceramic piece I make has its own handmade paper template!)

the texture & design

In order to create my own patterns/designs on my clay pieces, I create handmade stamps from craft foam! These stamps are strategically pressed into the slabs of clay before they are formed.

finishing the piece

Once I have completed building a clay piece, I apply underglaze for color. The piece is then fired in my kiln to about 1800 degrees. I then apply glaze to the ceramic piece. It is put back into the kiln for it's final firing to over 2000 degrees. Once out of the kiln, the bottom of each ceramic piece is sanded by hand and then ready to be loved and used! ​

artist bio

Hailey Banda is a ceramic artist who creates stylized and functional ceramic art. In 2015, Hailey graduated from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, concentrating in ceramics. Among her accomplishments, Hailey was awarded the Design Director’s Award from the West Virginia University School of Art and Design. She has been featured on Fox 45 Morning News and in various art and craft newsletters. Since graduating, Hailey continues to create ceramic art and exhibits her pieces at various craft shows along the East Coast. In addition to running her small business, Hailey Banda Ceramics, Hailey is currently pursuing her Masters of Art in Teaching at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and plans to receive her degree in 2018. Hailey was born in 1993 in Silver Spring, MD. The second of three daughters to her father an executive and her mother a homemaker, Hailey began working with clay in a 9thgrade art class at Sherwood High School, in Sandy Spring, MD. Since then, creating ceramic art has been her passion. She continues to learn and develop new techniques that advance her body of work. Hailey uses a unique process to ensure each item’s usability and personalization. She uses a cone 6 white stoneware clay body, for durability when hand building. Additionally, this clay body maintains a desired rich creamy color. All of Hailey’s ceramics are hand built, and occasionally wheel thrown and altered with added hand built elements. Hailey incorporates and applies patterns and textures in her pieces by creating large stamps made from craft foam. In addition, Hailey applies these patterned stamps to thin slabs of clay using a press technique. Her unique patterns consist of floral designs, swirls and stripes. Before the items are fired in an electric kiln, the patterns and forms are enhanced with velvet underglazes and metallic accents. Hailey’s ceramic work is inspired by her mother’s warm, calm and classic, interior decorating style; as well as antique furniture, intricate fabric patterns, and elements of nature. Her goal is to create the feeling of bliss and relaxation when you use one of her ceramic pieces. As a young entrepreneur, Hailey creates art that can be enjoyed by a person of any age and targets individuals who are looking for unique ceramic pieces that will come alive in their home and be used daily. Her ceramic art serves as conversation starters and adds intimate touches to a household, while still being functional. Hailey’s art is sold through multiple websites, as well as events such as fine art and craft shows, dinner parties, and private showings.